CISM · Question #958
CISM Question #958: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation
The correct answer is D: Parallel test. Parallel testing activates the actual disaster recovery systems and runs them concurrently alongside live production systems, producing real, measurable results without ever taking production offline - making it the best balance of accuracy and minimal disruption. Why the distrac
Question
An organization wants to test its disaster recovery plan (DRP) for a mission-critical system while minimizing production downtime. Which of the following will provide the MOST accurate test results for the plan while meeting the organizational goals?
Options
- AStructured walk-through
- BSimulation test
- CChecklist review
- DParallel test
Explanation
Parallel testing activates the actual disaster recovery systems and runs them concurrently alongside live production systems, producing real, measurable results without ever taking production offline - making it the best balance of accuracy and minimal disruption.
Why the distractors fail:
- A (Structured walk-through): Teams verbally discuss what they would do step-by-step, but no systems are actually invoked - results are theoretical, not empirical.
- B (Simulation test): A realistic scenario is enacted, but it typically stops short of full system failover, so you're testing human response more than the technical recovery process itself.
- C (Checklist review): The least rigorous option - it only confirms the plan exists and appears complete, with zero live system involvement.
Memory tip: Picture the options on a spectrum from "paperwork" to "pulling the plug" - Checklist → Walk-through → Simulation → Parallel → Full Interruption. The question asks you to stop just before full interruption: parallel testing is the last step before you'd actually risk production, which is exactly why it's the most accurate without causing downtime.
Topics
Community Discussion
No community discussion yet for this question.